Apocalypto shows the decline of central America's Mayan civilisation

A 17 January hearing will decide if there should be a permanent age restriction, said a consumer group challenging the universal rating.

"Minors must be protected," the Codacons group has said about the film.

Apocalypto has an 18 certificate in the UK, and an R rating in the US, meaning under-18s must be with an adult.

The film, depicting the decline of a Mayan kingdom, features brutal scenes of human sacrifice.

Following Italy's ban, Russia is the only country screening the film without an age restriction.

Viewers in France must be at least 12, but Germany, Poland and Hungary have considered the film unsuitable for those aged 17 and below.

Some countries, including Belgium, Finland, Sweden and Denmark, have yet to release the film.

System review

After Italian censors passed the film with a universal rating, Culture Minister Francesco Rutelli said he would review a ratings system which was "45 years old and no longer suited to current times".

Codacons president Carlo Rienzi has said: "Minors must be protected more than the economic interests of film production companies."

Apocalypto opened in Italy on Friday, and was the second most popular movie over the weekend behind Casino Royale.

The film entered the North American box office chart at number one last month and has earned a Golden Globe nomination for best foreign language film.